"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

The purpose of Trees of Hope - In Memory of Father Christopher is to raise funds for student scholarships as more than 60 percent of students at St. Paul Catholic School need assistance from our local scholarship opportunities in order to afford a Catholic education at St. Paul. Children all learn differently and thrive in different environments. For some, attending St. Paul Catholic School is an option that is right for them and will assist them in building an educational foundation that will help them achieve more in school and life. However, the cost of tuition can prohibit those children from attending. To overcome this, scholarships are available to children to attend. These scholarships are primarily funded through donations and funds raised at special events throughout the year. Your participation in this year's Trees of Hope will assist with this effort.

Before his untimely passing in October of this year, Father Christopher Roberts served as pastor at St. Paul Catholic Parish in Marion, Indiana for approximately 2.5 years. He personally understood the value of a faith-based education and wanted it to be possible for all. As we remember Father Christopher, may we begin to feel the hope he had in that St. Paul Catholic School “exists to help its students develop the most important relationship in their lives – their relationship with Jesus Christ.” In the Fall 2018 alumni edition of the Trojan Tribune, Father Christopher shared “A Catholic education is among the most precious gifts that one can give a child.” You can give the gift of a Catholic education by being a part of this fundraising event. As you do, we are confident Father Christopher will be smiling over you as you give the gift of hope to a young child, hope for their future and hope for their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Trees of Hope is an online donation and auction event to support our students. This event will begin Sunday, November 29 and go through Thursday, December 3. (Please note that the ending time has been adjusted as a result of the increase in COVID-19.) It is comprised of two ways for you to participate:

1. Vote for your favorite class tree by making a donation;
2. Purchase a tree in the auction portion of the event

Vote for / Donate to Your Favorite Tree
Voting for your favorite tree by donating will open Sunday, November 29 at 12:00 PM EST and conclude at 7:00 PM Thursday, December 3. The winning tree will be the one who raises the most funds through donation, in-person and online donations totaled together. The winner will be announced Friday, December 4 as part of the school's virtual Friday Gathering at 8:45 AM. The winning class receives a pizza lunch and NUT day (No Uniform Today) on a date agreed to by the class and the principal.
 
Tree Auction
Online bidding for the trees will open at 5:00 PM EST on Wednesday, December 2 and close at 7:00 PM on Thursday, December 3. Bids for the auction of the trees is only available online. If you need assistance with this, please contact the school office at 765-662-2883.
 
In-Person Viewing
While this will be primarily a virtual event, in-person viewing times are planned in the school (please use the front entrance). Guests may donate to trees and place bids will attending the in-person event. Staff will be on-hand to assist with online account set up, donation and bidding. In-person viewing times are:

• Tuesday, December 1 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM (EST)
• Wednesday, December 2 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (EST)
• Thursday, December 3 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (EST)

Tree Pick-up
Winning bidders may pick up their tree on Thursday, December 3 from 7:00 PM until 8:00 PM or on Friday, December 4 by appointment.

Important information related to safety precautions of COVID-19:

• The schedule of events has been adjusted due to changes necessitated by the current global pandemic in our local community.
• The auction of the trees will end on December 3 at 7:00 PM EST. Note that this is an earlier date than first announced.
• The number of people allowed in at one time for in-person viewings will be based on the gathering limits in Grant County, Indiana at the time which is currently 25 people. Should the number of people be greater than 25 at any one time, new guests will be allowed in as others leave.
• All those attending the in-person viewings must wear a mask at all times and practice social distancing. Hand sanitizer and masks will be available.
• It is possible that further adjustments may be needed. Please check back often for any updates.

Thank you in advance for making a difference in the life of a St. Paul student through your participation in this special event!